A resume is required for consideration for this position, and a cover letter is encouraged. Please include three writing samples, preferably of different types of stories breaking news, features, in-depth. If including a cover letter, make it the first page of your resume when submitted through this website. The writing samples also must be attached with your resume and cover letter, and all must be submitted as a single file. (The system will not allow multiple files to be uploaded).
Please describe how your skills and experience directly relate to the specific duties and qualifications for this position. For more information, contact Jamie Iseler, Record editor, at [email protected].
The University Record, an internal publication for University of Michigan faculty and staff, is seeking a highly skilled communicator for a key role writing about U-M as a dynamic workplace and world-class institution of higher education.
Previous experience as a news reporter or writer is ideal for this position, which calls for a skilled and versatile communications professional with a well-honed ability to gather, organize and summarize critical information quickly and accurately. Good listening skills, strong writing and storytelling skills, and creativity and ingenuity are essential. This person will plan, prepare and disseminate stories in print and online.
The position's primary focus will be news about the University of Michigan for its faculty and staff. Stories range from faculty and staff profiles to commencement; from routine news briefs and award listings to stories of innovative programs and important new initiatives; from workplace features to deadline event coverage. Time-management skills and the ability to balance various deadlines at once are crucial, as is the ability to find and develop unique stories about the many facets of working at U-M.
We anticipate the person filling this position will spend about 85 percent of work time on interviewing and writing, and 15 percent on other duties within the scope of the Record, such as making photo assignments and summarizing monthly Board of Regents activity. While this is primarily a writing role, this person may step in as a copy editor when needed, so editing experience will be helpful.
About The University Record
The University Record is part of the Office of Public Affairs & Internal Communications within the Office of the Vice President for Communications. It is U-M's official faculty-staff news source, publishing online and in print. News is updated daily on the Record's website, and in an email newsletter sent daily throughout the academic year and weekly during the summer. A weekly print edition is published each Monday during the school year five times during the summer. It is distributed free throughout campus and at select off-campus locations, and is mailed to U-M retirees.
- Bachelor's degree and work history of relevant experience in journalism, writing or editing.
- Demonstrated ability to cover breaking news and explain complex issues and ideas in an easy-to-understand approach.
- Working knowledge of Associated Press style.
- Organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to set and meet goals while working both independently and as part of a team.
- Familiarity and understanding of issues facing higher education in general, and the University of Michigan in particular.
- Basic understanding of HTML/XML and WordPress.
Occasional night and weekend work may be necessary. This position also is eligible for flexible work options including a hybrid schedule combining remote and in-office work.
Reporting structure
Reports to the University Record editor, who reports to the assistant vice president for public affairs.
Annual salary range:
$55,000-$65,000 depending on experience.
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
